getting older / skin repair

[aclivity]

I've noticed that as I get older, I find that my skin takes much longer to repair itself when I graze it - I've a scab on my leg from a graze 3 weeks ago (caught my leg on a pedal), it's still not fully healed, and a nasty red "weal" on my upper arm from even longer ago (fell off my daughters BMX bike when I was pratting about).

Sadly as I have also taken up regular cycling in the last 12 months, I've found myself more prone to grazes and cuts than I was for many years previously!

Is this a normal sign of aging, or something I should be concerned about? I'm slightly concerned as my F-i-L lost his toes because of some really minor cuts that didn't heal, but he has Type 2 diabetes and apparently this is a common side effect. I've never been diagnosed with diabetes, but then I have never asked for a diagnosis.

[GingerWizard]

Get some supplements, Holland and Barret staff are very helpful, failing that go and ask the local GP's Nurse on a quiet afternoon.

Gwiz

[jackh707]

do you smoke, as smoking severely retards the rate of wound healing with as previously mentioned DM 1/2

[Rach*]

Get tested for diabetes as I read that's your concern not the actual healing issue. Then look at your diet, collagen producing foods like spinach, green leafies, red & yellow peppers, etc etc.......... research your best foods and get started!